Every soccer player knows the frustration of a practice session that lacks focus. You set up a bag of balls, line them up on the edge of the box, and start shooting. Without a specific focal point, “aiming for the corners” often becomes a vague concept rather than a precise discipline. You might hit the general area, but are you truly testing your accuracy?
This is where visual aids and physical targets bridge the gap between casual kicking and deliberate training. The difference between a striker who hits the keeper and one who finds the top bin is often down to thousands of repetitions aiming at a specific, small window.
In this review, I am evaluating the RidingRush Soccer Goal Corner Target Nets to see if they offer a practical solution for players and coaches who want to refine their finishing skills without the constant interruption of chasing loose balls.
The Problem with Open Goal Practice
The primary issue with solo practice or even team shooting drills is the lack of feedback. When you shoot at an empty goal, a shot that is two feet inside the post feels just as good as a shot that kisses the netting in the upper 90. However, in a match scenario, that two-foot margin is often where the goalkeeper’s hands are waiting.
To build elite-level precision, players need immediate, binary feedback: did you hit the target, or did you miss?
The RidingRush Soccer Goal Corner Target Nets are designed to provide that binary feedback. By reducing the target area to the most difficult-to-reach zones of the goal, they force players to dial in their technique, focusing on placement over raw power.
Design and Build Quality
The RidingRush set comes as a two-pack, featuring one orange and one red target. This color differentiation is a subtle but smart design choice. It allows coaches to call out specific colors during reaction drills—forcing the player to look up, process the instruction, and execute the shot, rather than just putting their head down and striking.
The Catch Net Advantage
One of the distinct features of this specific set is the deep catch net. Many target sheets are simply flat pieces of fabric with holes in them, or worse, just a ring. While those work for aiming, they often result in the ball bouncing back out or dropping awkwardly.
The RidingRush targets incorporate a net pocket designed to catch the ball. This serves two purposes:
1. Validation: There is a satisfying visual and auditory confirmation when the ball hits the back of the small net.
2. Efficiency: It reduces the time spent retrieving balls. If you are drilling top-corner penalties or free kicks, the ball stays in the target rather than flying through the goal and rolling 30 yards down the field.
Portability
The inclusion of a carry bag suggests this product is built for the mobile coach or the parent heading to the local park. The targets fold flat, making them easy to slide into a larger kit bag or the trunk of a car without taking up significant space.
Installation and Usability
Real-world usage often comes down to setup time. If a training aid takes 15 minutes to assemble, it likely won’t get used often.
These targets utilize adjustable straps to secure them to the goal posts. This is generally superior to Velcro-only designs, which tend to degrade after exposure to rain and mud. The strap system allows for compatibility with a variety of goal post thicknesses, from standard regulation aluminum posts to thinner portable goal frames.
However, users should note that the stability of the target depends heavily on how tight you can get these straps. On very thin, wire-frame pop-up goals, the weight of the target (especially when it catches a ball) might cause the goal frame to sag. These are best suited for solid frame goals found at parks, schools, or club facilities.
Training Applications: Who is This For?
While marketed for both kids and adults, the utility of these targets changes depending on the skill level.
For Youth Players (Ages 8-14)
For younger players, the visual challenge is engaging. The bright Orange and Red colors turn drills into a game. A coach can set up a “Red vs. Orange” challenge where players compete to see who can fill their target net first. This gamification keeps engagement high during repetitive technical drills.
For Advanced Players & Solo Training
For older players, the focus shifts to muscle memory. The targets are roughly 18.5 inches in diameter, which represents a challenging window. Consistent practice on these targets helps develop the “finisher’s instinct”—the ability to naturally look for the corners without consciously overthinking the mechanics.
The deep catch net is particularly useful for free-kick specialists who want to practice curling the ball over a wall and dipping it into the corner.
Buying Considerations: The Trade-offs
No training tool is perfect, and it is important to understand the limitations before purchasing.
Wind Resistance:
Like any fabric attached to a goal, these targets can act like sails in high winds. If you are training in particularly gusty conditions, you may find the targets flapping, which can be distracting. The adjustable straps help mitigate this, but it is a factor to consider for open, windy fields.
Goal Compatibility:
While the straps are adjustable, extremely thick, professional-grade square posts might require some maneuvering to get the fit secure. Conversely, very lightweight backyard PVC goals might tip over if a heavy ball strikes the target catch net with force. The ideal use case is a standard metal goal frame.
The “Bounce Out” Factor:
While the nets are designed to catch the ball, a shot hit with extreme power at close range might occasionally bounce out if it hits the rim or the strap mechanism. This is standard for almost all target nets, but it teaches players to aim for the “swish” (center of the net) rather than the rim.
Comparison: Target Nets vs. Sheets
Why choose individual corner targets over a full goal sheet (the large tarps with holes in the corners)?
Full Goal Sheets:
* *Pros:* cover the whole goal, prevent missed shots from going behind the goal.
* *Cons:* Heavy, difficult to set up alone, expensive, wind can knock the goal over.
Corner Targets (Like RidingRush):
* *Pros:* Lightweight, setup takes seconds, focuses only on the high-value scoring zones, highly portable.
* *Cons:* Missed shots still require retrieval.
For most individual players and coaches who need mobility, the corner target approach is more practical. It allows you to use the rest of the goal for the goalkeeper to warm up while you practice aiming for the top corners.
Final Verdict
The value of a training aid lies in whether it actually changes behavior. The RidingRush targets successfully shift the player’s mindset from “just hit the goal” to “hit this specific spot.”
The dual-color system adds a layer of cognitive training that standard monochromatic targets lack, and the catch net feature significantly improves the flow of practice by keeping successful shots contained. They are durable enough for regular season training and portable enough for solo off-season work.
If you are looking to add precision to your shooting drills and want a tool that encourages consistency, the RidingRush Soccer Goal Corner Target Nets are a reliable, well-designed addition to any kit bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these targets be used on different goal sizes?
Yes, the adjustable straps allow them to be attached to most standard goal posts, regardless of the goal’s overall dimensions (futsal, 7v7, or full 11v11).
Do the nets actually catch the ball?
The deep pocket design is intended to catch and hold the ball after a successful shot, provided the shot enters the hoop and doesn’t strike the rim.
Are they suitable for heavy rain?
The materials are generally weather-resistant. However, like most sports equipment, it is recommended to dry them out before storing them in the carry bag to prevent mold or odors.
Can I use these for other sports?
While designed for soccer (size 3, 4, and 5 balls), they can technically be used for handball or lacrosse accuracy training, though the catch net size is optimized for soccer balls.
How do I clean them?
If they get muddy from a wet pitch, simply wiping them down with a damp cloth or hosing them off and letting them air dry is sufficient. Avoid machine washing to protect the straps and netting integrity.
